Lithium-ion batteries represent a huge threat to the circular economy. We estimate this to be £1.4bn+ problem over the next 5 years. Coupled with the threat of disposable vapes, this is only going to get worse, resulting in a compound effect.

Battery technology has advanced significantly over the last decade, resulting in an increased use of lithium batteries in everyday items such as mobile phones, toys, laptops, power tools and other equipment. Waste lithium batteries should be disposed of or recycled through suitable facilities. However, this is not always the case and increasingly ‘rogue’ lithium batteries are appearing in general waste streams.

When these batteries get into the residual and mixed recycling waste streams, either loose or inside waste electrical and electronic items (WEEE), they can cause fires when punctured or damaged in the compactor of a refuse collection vehicle or during normal waste processing and sorting operations.

The cost of these fires can run into the £ millions and they also pose a health and safety risk. As the use of lithium-ion batteries in devices and equipment increases, not to mention the explosion of vapes entering the waste stream, it seems inevitable that fires at waste sites caused by rogue lithium-ion batteries will continue to pose a significant risk.

The good news is we are here to help.